"Aishah said: 'Cutting off (the hand of the thief) is for one-quarter of a Dinar or more."'
Hadith Text & Reference
"Aishah said: 'Cutting off (the hand of the thief) is for one-quarter of a Dinar or more."'
Source: Sunan an-Nasa'i 4930 | Book: The Book of Cutting off the Hand of the Thief
Legal Ruling & Threshold
This hadith establishes the minimum value (nisab) for theft that warrants hand amputation at one-quarter dinar of pure gold. Classical scholars determined this equivalent to three dirhams of pure silver, representing substantial value that justifies this severe punishment.
The quarter-dinar threshold ensures the punishment applies only to significant theft, protecting society from major crimes while preventing excessive punishment for minor offenses.
Scholarly Commentary
Imam an-Nawawi explains this establishes a precise monetary limit, preventing arbitrary application. The value is based on the Islamic gold standard during the Prophet's time, requiring contemporary scholars to calculate equivalent modern values.
Ibn Qudamah emphasizes that numerous conditions must be met before implementation: the stolen property must reach the nisab, be taken from secure custody (hirz), and there must be clear evidence meeting strict legal standards.
Wisdom & Conditions
This ruling demonstrates Islam's balanced approach - protecting property rights through deterrent punishment while establishing high thresholds and strict evidential requirements to ensure justice.
The punishment does not apply during famine, for minor theft, or when there's doubt about ownership or intent. These safeguards prevent misuse of this severe penalty.